Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Chapter 31

Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

 

Michael

vaulted ceilings, then brain-cells line up in good order and I remember where I am. Beside me lies

her, where James slept, the covers are rumpled, sheets thrown back, but when I listen, there is a

my Sleeping Beauty. She’s looking better

Her father…

Christ…

sallow hue, and her cheeks are brushed with

Babe…

stroke over the line of high cheekbones

stranger who looked out at me for the last few days, but my beautiful wife; my copper-haired, emerald-eyed, wilful, frustrating, crazy, wonderful

reaching to touch me,

face,

and watery. “I’m fine. Really, I’m fine now. I’m sorry

of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us

gaze, she bobs her

if you really want to get yourself pregnant.” Her eyes lift again, widening. “Do you? That’s

Her voice is a whisper.

it. It’s fine. Just so long as

head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into the crook of neck

holding her gaze. “But I never went away. I never will go away…” She

forehead creases. “You mean you

share a bed when you’re not in it

comes a chuckle. “Sorry to disappoint you there.” James holds a

nostrils flare and she sits bolt upright.

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

 

Twenty-Six Years Ago

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255